Ruin Me

Chapter Nine

It was an undeniably beautiful day as Rhaenyra stood aboard her ship. Ser Criston was at her side as they sailed back to King's Landing. And as she stood at the railing of the ship, staring at the castle she called home, she couldn't help but wonder where her sister was. She could feel it in her bones that Daenyra was alive, but it had been nearly two months since her departure and there hadn't been a word since.

Rhaenyra was the last one to see her twin before she left. There was no way that Daenyra could leave without the goodbye and blessing of her twin and future queen. Rhaenyra understood, of course, why her sister needed to do this. And similarly, she could not say no when her sister asked for her blessing. As for their father, Daenyra had left both the message with the envoy that arrived in the Stepstones and a small bit of parchment on his bed.

Father,

Do not despair and do not grow concerned. I am fine. I am to carve my own place in history. I go now to the Stepstones to aid in the war effort. Please, I have never asked much of you as your daughter and yes, you are my king, but from a daughter to a father, please, I beg of you, I implore you, do not come after me. This is a task I must accomplish on mine own. I will return as soon as I am able, because first I must rain down on the Triarchy with fire and blood as my House would do so.

All my love,

Daenyra.

Viserys had been less than pleased. It had taken a lot on Rhaenyra's behalf to convince her father to honour her twin's wishes. Going on this marriage tour was in fact one of the tools she had used.

So, while her sister was off fighting in the Stepstones with their uncle and making a difference in the world, Rhaenyra was forced upon a tour where men were presented to her as contenders for her hand in marriage. And considering she was sailing home two months before her tour's scheduled end, it was safe to say that she was unsatisfied with the results. She hoped that her sister would fare better at war than she did at becoming engaged.

Rhaneyra had been seeking Ser Criston's counsel on whether or not her father would be upset about her ending the tour early when they heard the familiar shriek of a dragon. And then the sky began to rumble as if something was hurtling towards them from the heavens.

"TAKE COVER!" Criston warned as the crew hit the deck and Caraxes swooped past them, making the ship lurch violently.

Rhaenyra was knocked off her feet as her head hit the wooden rail and Criston scrambled to help her up.

"Fetch the Maester!" he commanded.

"I'm fine!" Rhaenyra insisted as she let go of her head, finally accepting that what she saw was no longer a dream. It wasn't just one dragon, but two that made for King's Landing.

Myrrax and Caraxes flew side by side as Daenyra's cheerful laughter sounded off the back of her dragon, her blond hair shining in the sun as she laughed at her uncle's antics.

He couldn't help but dive for the ship when he'd seen the Targaryen sails. He'd hoped his brother had been on board even if he had only done it not just to mess with his brother but to hear his niece's shining laughter.

Yet, as they made for the Dragonpit, they still had no idea who was on that ship.

"Dae," Rhaenyra muttered with relief. She had been right. Her twin was alive.

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Rhaenyra blended into the crowd that filling into the Throne Room before the King. The entire group was awash with whispers that the Princess strained her ears to hear. Despite her silver hair, she still kept her head down as she tried to listen.